Jaron Requinton seized a rare opportunity to start in Criss Cross’ debut match against VNS-Laticrete in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference — and he made the most of it.
Usual starter Nico Almendras sat out to rest after tying the knot with longtime partner Justine Pesigan just a day before the match.
In his place, Requinton was thrust into the starting lineup and delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight.
The 6-foot-2 outside hitter powered the King Crunchers to a commanding 25-19, 25-12, 25-22 sweep of the Griffins, marking a statement debut at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last Friday.
“Naging okay naman ‘yung performance namin sa loob ng court since wala si Nico (Almendras). So ‘yung pag-sub ko sa kanya, naging okay naman. Meron naman kaming gel ng first six kaya siguro naging ganun ‘yung resulta ng game,” said Requinton.
Stepping up in Almendras’ absence, Requinton shined in his best performance yet for Criss Cross, finishing with 15 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and five excellent receptions.
Aware that opportunities like this don’t come often, Requinton made sure to leave everything on the court, proving that he’s always ready when he hears his number called.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“This is a one-time big-time shot for me na makapaglaro sa loob ng court ng buong three sets kaya kinuha ko na rin ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun,” said the Philippine beach volleyball team mainstay.
“In-enjoy ko lang din po ‘yung time ko sa loob ng court since ‘di naman ako palaging starter. Ang mindset ko lang talaga is kung anong maco-contribute ko sa loob ng court, kung anong maco-contribute ko sa teammates ko, ‘yun ‘yung ipapakita ko.”
His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, especially by his teammates, who erupted in cheers when they saw the floor director approach him for a post-game interview — signaling that he had earned Player of the Game honors.
“Ayun, thankful talaga ako. Kung nakita niyo po kanina, (grabe) ‘yung support nila sa akin. Ganun ‘yung mga nangyayari (kahit) sa training namin,” said Requinton.
“Actually, tinulungan ako ng mga teammates ko and mga coaches ko kung paano i-prepare ‘yung sarili ko sa loob ng court and kung paano i-ready ‘yung utak ko at ‘yung puso ko na ako ‘yung maglalaro talaga this game,” he added.
After delivering a career-best performance in the country’s premier men’s volleyball league, Requinton feels motivated to keep improving and stay ready for any opportunity that comes his way.
“Para sa akin, sobrang laking bagay since first time kong maging POG, parang ang sarap pala sa feeling na makuha ‘yun,” said the Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist.
“Parang you’re eager to do more para maging POG ka ulit next game and syempre, doon pa rin tayo sa focus na manalo every game, hindi doon sa maging POG ka. Parang bonus na lang ‘yun as a player eh, ang main goal talaga is manalo every game.”
